Question on copyrighted designs

[LaPirata]

For a couple of years now I have made countless attempts to have one image design approved for a sail. The image does have a copyright and I even got permission to use the image however I wanted as long as I was not trying to make a profit off of it. I sent all the information to FLS and time after time I was given every excuse in the book as to why it was rejected. (Example of just one - 01/13/10 Aegir: Upon discussion with the 2DSC, we've upheld the rejection
on this design. Although it's commendable that you got permission, the fact that
the copyright info has to be on the sail really stops any chance for approval.
Plus the skull design itself is too modern as it has a facial expression.) So, you can imagine my surprise when I saw the design "Razig's Flag" had been approved by 2DSC for someone else, especially since it is a modified copyright image. So, my question is do they have the same permission to use this image because if not; I would love for someone to explain to me how it got approved.

[Rhaegar]

Things sometimes slip through and get approved when they shouldn't be. If you think a sail or flag uses a copyrighted image please let our support team know.

[LaPirata]

check out page 20 on approved content. It is the same image.....

[Rhaegar]

Originally Posted by LaPirata check out page 20 on approved content. It is the same image.....

Thanks for bringing it to our attention

[LaPirata]

your welcome

[PirataLoco]

it's not just the copyright thing.. basically if you look through the pages of approved content, NONE of the 2DUC guidelines apply. I just think FLS hates us.

[LaPirata]

I do apologize to the person whom the design had been approved for and hope that you can understand my frustration. I actually commend you for doing what I have been trying to do for the past two years. The reason I have pushed to get this design is simply because it was intended as a gift for Jose Pardo. Obviously, it was the modification of the image that got it approved. So, one more time, will the 2DSC please allow me to finally use the design? If it is simply a modification issue, then why can't I modify it? I have full written consent to use it anyway I want as long as I don't try and make a profit. I will even have Kit Pierce contact you personally, if need be. Kit is well aware of the fact it is for a sail design in POTBS. So, why not? I just would like for Jose to finally get his gift that he has waited two years for; it's not like I'm asking you to move mountains. PLEASE

[kitwilliams]

Please understand the 2dSC is not responsible for approving or denying designs. That is the job of FLS. The committee only gets involved when an appeal is filed. As far as I am concerned (and I don't speak for all On the committee), that design should not be allowed ingame based on the skull. Skulls do not show emotion (angry eyes), that is the function of skin and muscles on the skull.

FLS has stayed very true to their copywrite rules over the years. They stand to lose a lot if a design is accepted and a lawsuit is filed, including your ability to play the game. Why not take that design as inspiration and make your own using period appropriate elements?

[LaPirata]

Skeletons don't point either, but yet that's just one of many examples I could give that have already been approved. Not to mention the countless examples of approved content that are by no means time period appropriate for a historical game. I can't speak for everyone, but a skull has more relation to a pirate than say a pair of bare feet. As far as a lawsuit, how can that happen when the copyright owner has given me written permission? And, just what are the copyright rules exactly for FLS anyway? And, who can I take this up with at FLS for approving since it is not the job of the committee? I would greatly appreciate pointing me in the right direction as to whom I can talk to.

[kitwilliams]

As I said in an earlier post, redesign the flag using acceptable images. This took me 5min of searching and about 20min to put it together. Please feel free to use it.

If you still want to try for the other design, you should file a support ticket or pm reagher or the other FLS staff.